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as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poise
Noun
Her poise and confidence under pressure were out of this world. Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025 The competition proved that powering through disappointments with pluck, perseverance and poise can pay off. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Verb
The sweeping policy legislation that Republicans are pushing through Congress is poised to reignite international tax and trade wars that have been on hiatus as policymakers around the world grappled with how to overhaul the global tax system. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 21 May 2025 China is poised to be the next big donor to the World Health Organization after Trump abruptly withdrew the US from the United Nations health agency on his first day in office, leaving a critical funding gap and leadership void. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • Stockholm also expressed the equilibrium, where creativity and design evoke the balance between urban life and nature and innovation and tradition.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • There’s something deep in our biological clocks that can’t seem to help but welcome the days when the sun stays up past 8 pm and the air temperature reaches equilibrium with our bodies.
    Bryan Walsh, Vox, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Analyze threats and vulnerabilities to strengthen organizational security posture.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Given Moscow’s reticence over peace talks, momentum seems to be growing for taking a more aggressive posture backing sanctions.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • While this can present challenges like balancing our workloads between AI agents and employees, with careful preparation and testing, companies can better brace themselves for the future.
    Syed Ahmed, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Becker’s premise is bracing: Tech oligarchs’ wildest visions of tomorrow amount to a modern secular theology that is both mesmerizing and, in his view, deeply misguided.
    John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Over the years, the percentage of transactions conducted in cash has significantly dropped, with the average estimate now hovering around 20 percent.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • The purchase is worth around $509 million at current market prices, with Bitcoin hovering around $108,000.
    Niamh Rowe, Quartz, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The central bank cut interest rates last month for a second consecutive time to 6% and shifted its stance to accommodative in a bid to bolster growth.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 May 2025
  • This increase in Bitcoin's value has been affected by factors including the Trump administration's supportive stance on cryptocurrency.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Lawmakers should strengthen existing incentives for states and cities to adopt resilience measures—fortifying homes against wind, hail, flooding, and wildfires—to lower costs for both property owners and insurance companies when disasters strike.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Other studies show that tea decreased iron absorption from wheat bread fortified with ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate by 56 to 72%.1 Individual variation: Still, additional research is necessary to establish the best time to drink tea without affecting iron absorption.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • In April, President Donald Trump floated the idea of deporting U.S. citizens with violent criminal records to El Salvador.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
  • Mass, he was found dead in a channel in the harbor, face down, his hat floating nearby.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • With devil-may-care attitude, Johnson found joy in every stanza, operating in total synergy with Angus Young.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • Armed with such an attitude and unencumbered by expectation, Arsenal produced one of its great performances, Stina Blackstenius’ goal in the 74th minute proving the difference between the two teams.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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